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Canada’s Public Safety Minister is responding to concerns following the sudden removal of Rhonda Blackmore as assistant commissioner of the Saskatchewan RCMP.
In an interview on Wednesday’s Evan Bray Show, Gary Anandasangaree said he is closely monitoring the situation.
“First of all, I want to thank everyone who has directly reached out to me and who have sent me comments and their perspectives.”
“But I can say that, as you know, the RCMP is an independent agency organization. It is probably not wise for politicians to make decisions on human resources.”
Anandasangaree said the matter is now under investigation by the RCMP.
Read more:
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“Whether it’s the rule of law or due process, every effort will be made to ensure the process is fair and in line with our notions of justice.”
Anandasangaree was further pressed on the matter, regarding the investigation, to ensure it is transparent and fair.
“I can assure you that the process that’s in place right now does have those elements, and I know there is a current review that’s taking place,” he said.
“I think because it’s a personnel matter, it’s best that the RCMP continue its work, and at the appropriate time, the appropriate amount of information will be released to the public.”
Listen to the interview with Anandasangaree here:
Anandasangaree’s comments come after Blackmore was removed from her post in early June. In a message she sent to RCMP employees in Saskatchewan, she said the decision was made by the senior executives at national headquarters. She said the decision to remove her from her role was prompted by anonymous complaints.
That led to a loud outcry from several elected leaders.
Earlier this week, Regina-Wascana MP Michael Kram demanded public transparency surrounding the sudden dismissal of Saskatchewan F Division Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore last month.
Saskatchewan’s corrections, policing, and public safety minister, Tim McLeod, said he was surprised and disappointed when he found out Blackmore had been removed from her role earlier this month.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron said last month that he wanted Blackmore to stay as the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP.
-With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick and Gillian Massie
